Electric strike



Feb. 25, 1964 POWERS 3,122,388

ELECTRIC STRIKE Filed NOV. 7, 1960 A INVENTOR. @fi/V/A-Z ,9. POWERSUnited States Patent Daniel A. Powers, Dennis", ii-ch 7 Hardware, Inc,Detroit, finish a Michigan Filed Nov. '7, 1959, er. No. 67,7 31 Qlaims.(El. 292-34115) The invention relates to building hardware and refersmore specifically to a compact simplified electric strike adapted to beinstalled transversely of a door frame.

Electric strikes of the type operable to prevent opening of a doorassociated therewith without an electric circuit first being completedhave long been known. Such strikes are however not used as widely asthey zht be due to certain characteristics of prior electric strikes.

In the past electric door str"'es have usually been bulky items whichwere not can ble 0:" being conve iently recessed in a normal door frame.This characteristics of prior electric door strikes is especiallyimport; it with the modern trend toward thinner frames made of metal.Metal door frames are today often so restricted in size parallel to thedoor opening that the usual strike constructed and arranged to extendparallel to the door opening cannot be contained therein. 1

In addition prior electric strikes have been generally relativelycomplicated so that the cost thereof of installation in a metal doorframe has been excessive.

It is therefore one of the objects of the present invention to providean improved compact electric stnke constructed and arranged to extendtransversely of a door frame in which it is installed.

Another object is to provide an electric door strike constructed to becorveniently installed in door frames having standard prepared strikeopenings.

More specifically it is an object to provide a compact electric strikeadapted to extend transversely .of a door frarne in which it isinstalled comprising a catch, mechanical means for locking the catch ina predetermined position to prevent opening of a door installed in thedoor frame and having a latch bolt engaged with the catch and electricmeans for actuating the mechanical means to release the catch to permitopening of the door.

Another object is to provide structure as set forth above wherein thecatch is mounted for movement in two opposite directions and themechanical means comprises a lock bar engageable with the catch toprevent movement of the catch in one of said directions and an armatureengageable with the lock bar operable to prevent movement of the lockbar which would allow movement of the catch in the other of saiddirections.

Another obiect is to provide structure as set fcrtl above wherein theelectric means comprises a solenoid energizable to cause movement or"the armature out of engagement with lock bar to permit movement of thecatch in the other said directions.

Another object is to provide structure as set forth above wherein meansare provided for biasing the lock int engagement with the catch and forbiasing the armature into engagement with the lock bar.

Another object is to provide an electric as set forth above wherein theface plate has an elongated lip and the catch, mechanical means and ec.ric mears are variably positionable along the length thereof so tn tfstrike is adapted for use with standard manufacturers locks conformingto government standards.

Another object is to provide an electric st Ike which is simple inconstruction, economical to manufacture efficient in use.

Other objects and features of the invention will become apparent as thedescription proceeds, especially when taken in conjunction with theaccompanying drawings, illustrating preferred embodiments of theinvention, wherein:

FIGURE 1 is a longitudinal view of an electric strike according to theinvention which is shown installed transversely of a door frame and in alocked condition.

FIGURE 2 is a view of the electric strike shown in FIGURE 1 taken in thedirection of arrow 2 in FIG- URE 1.

FIGURE 3 is a right end view of the electric strike shown in FIGURE 2.

FIGURE 4 is a View of the electric strike of the invention similar toFIGURE 1 showing the strike in an unlocked condition with the catchrotated to allow movement of a latch bolt out of engagement with thestrike catch.

FIGURE 5 shows a modification of the electric strike shown in FIGURES 14wherein the strike opening may be variably located along the entire lipof the strike to accommodate the latch bolt of looks as manufactured bystandard lock manufacturers conforming to government standarddimensions.

With reference to the figures a specific embodiment of the inventionwill now be disclosed.

As shown best in FIGURE 1 the electric strike 1% of the inventioncomprises a body 12 for supporting catch 14, mechanical means 16 andelectric means 18. In operation catch "14 is locked in the positionshown in FIGURE 1 by the mechanical means 16 to prevent opening or" door19 associated therewith which has a latch bolt Zil engaged with catch 14when electric means 18 is not energized. When the electric means 18 isenergized the mechanical means 16 is actuated to permit movement ofcatch 14 by bolt 2% and opening of door 19.

More specifically the body 12 as shown in FIGURES l4- is a generallychannel shaped member having a web 22 and upstanding legs 24 and 26longitudinally thereof. A face plate 28 is integrally formed with thebody 12 and extends transversely thereof. Screw holes 30 are provided atthe opposite ends of the face plate 23 for mounting the strike in a doorframe. Body 12 is further provided with a flange 32 at one end thereofextending from the web in th same direction as legs 24 and 26 as shownbest in FIGURES 2 and 3 to which the electric means I8 is secured aswill later be considered.

Catch 14 shaped as shown is pivotally mounted on pivot pin 34 extendingbetween the legs 24 and 26 of the body 12. Catch 14 is operable to pivotbetween the positions shown in FIGURES l and 4 to hold latch bolt 2 ofdoor 19 in a locked position or permit opening of the door respectively.

Lock bar 36 is also pivotally mounted between the legs 24 and 26 of thebody 12 on pivot pin 38. The lock bar shaped as shown is pivotedcounter-clockwise about pivot pin 3% on clockwise movement of catch 14about pivot pin 34 when armature 42 is disengaged therefrom. The lockbar 36 is prevented from being rotated clockwise by catch 14- since theend 44 of catch 14 within the recess 56 in the lock bar 36 is caused tobind due to the relative positions of the pivot pins 34 and 33 when suchmovement is attempted.

Torsion spring 43 carried by pivot pin 34 is shaped to act between thecatch 14 and the lock bar 36 to maintain the catch 14 in the positionshown in FIGURE 1. The lock bar 36 and the catch 14 are locked againstfurther rotation by sprin= due to binding of end 44 of catch 14 inrecess as previously indicated.

Armature 42 is generally T-shaped as shown and has a stem 49 which fitswithin a recess 50 in the lock bar 36 and a cross-member 51 engageablewith lock bar 36 to prevent counter-clockwise rotation of the lock barwhen the armature 42 is in the position shown in FIGURE 1. Torsionspring 52 is provided to bias the armature 42 into the position shown inFIGURE 1. On actuation of the electric means 1.8 the armature 42 ispivoted about the pivot pin 5:3 on which it is mounted whereby thearmature disengages the lock bar to permit rotation of catch 14- bylatch 2% in a clockwise direction.

The electric m ans 13 comprises an electro-magnet 56 mounted at an angleto the web of the body 12 on an in sulating terminal block 5%; by meansof bolt and nut 62 which extends through the electro-magnet 56 and formsa core therefor as shown best in FIGURES 1 and 4. Bolt 56 extendsthrough opening 64 in flange as shown best in FIGURE 2, whereby theelectro-magnet is secured to body 12.

The elcctro-magnet 56 is thus easily removable and replaceable.interchangeable electro-magnets for use with 6 to 8 volts direct currentand 12 to 16 volts alternating current, 24 volts alternating and directcurrent and 48 volts direct current electric energy sources may beprovided to facilitate use of the electric strike of the invention ininstallations where dirlerent energy sources are available.

The electric means 18 further includes a cl-shaped soft iron member 6-6supported between the llange 32 and the terminal block 53 by bolt 6 9.The member se is provided to concentrate the magnetic field created bythe electro-magnet 56 so that the armature is more readily pivoted onenergization of the electro-magnet 56. Thus only a single electro-magnetneed be provided to actuate the electric strilte of the invention.

Electric terminals 68 and ii! are provided on terminal block 58 to whichthe ends of the electro-magnet 56 are secured and which are adapted tobe secured to a source of electric energy '72 through a switch 74indicated diagrammatically in FIGURE 3.

in operation the electric strike of the invention is recessed in a doorframe and extends transversely thereof as shown best in FEGURE 1. Withswitch 74 open on closing of door 319 latch bolt 26 will cam over thecatch 14 held in a locked position by lock bar 36 and armature 42 intothe position shown in FIGURE 1. The door cannot then be opened bymovement in the opposite direction until the switch 74 is closed.

On closing of the switch 74 the electro-magnet is energized whereby thearmature 42 is pivoted toward the inclined electro-magnet. Movement ofthe armature 4-2 by electromagnet 5% is aided by the provision of U-shapcd member 66 and the inclined positioning of Lid solenoid so thatonly a single coil is required.

After the armature 42 moves toward the electro-magnet in opposition tospring 52 the lock bar 36 is permitted to be rotated counter-clockwiseby clockwise rotation of the catch 14 in opposition to spring 45. Thusmovement of the latch bolt Zll away from the electro-magnet as shown,will permit opening of the door associated with the latch bolt 2%.

After the door has been opened the switch 74 may be again opened atwhich time the spring 48 returns the catch 14- to the locked positionthereof as shown in FIG- URE 1 wherein the lock bar 36 and catch 14 areprevented from further relative rotation due to the positioning of thepivot pins 34 and 38. The armature 42 is then caused to again engage thelock bar 35 due to spring 52 so that the catch 14- is locked inposition. On subsequent closing of the door 19 the latch bolt will againbe locked in place by strike it until the switch 74 is closed.

Thus it can be seen that in accordance with the invention there isprovided a compact electric strike which is extremely simple andtherefore economical which is constructed and arranged to extendtransversely of a door frame in which it is installed.

The modified electric strike 13a illustrated in FIGURE 5 is similar inall respects to the electric strike it? disclosed above with theexception of the fact that the face plate 28a of the modified doorstrike Ella is separate from the body 12:: thereof whereby the body 12amay be secured to the face plate 23a at different positionslongitudinally thereof. Thus the electric door strike 16a is adapted foruse wit door frames having government stander loci; series strikeopenings therein through the simple expedient of mounting the body 12aat the required position with respect to the face plate 28a and cuttingthe required opening through the face plate 28a for the latch 14a.

The drawings and the foregoing specification constitute a description ofimproved electric strike in such full, clear, concise and exact terms asto enable any person red in the art to practice the invention, the scopeof wnich is indicated by the appended claims.

What I claim as my invention is:

1. An electric strike comprising a pair of adjacent pivot means, a catchpivotally mounted on one of said pivot means having a latch engaging endand an opposite rounded end, a lock bar pivotally mounted on said otherpivot means including a recess in one end thereof for receiving saidrounded end of said catch, resilient means operably associated with andoperable between said catch and loclc bar for biasing said opposite endof said catch into said recess on relative rotation thereof in onedirection, said catch and lock bar being dimensioned and said pivotmounting means being located for preventing further rotation of saidcatch and lock bar in said one -irection after said end of said catch isreceived in said recess, a pivotally mounted armature positionedadjacent said lock bar, resilient means urging said armature intoposition for preventing pivotal movement of said lock bar ection todisengage said latch and lock bar and an ele solenoid positionedadjacent said armature operable on being energized to pivot saidarmature out of engagement with said lock bar for permitting relativemovement of said catch and lock bar in a direction opposite said onedirection.

2. Structure as set forth in claim 1 wherein said strike is constructedand arranged to extend transversely of a door ope a substantiallygreater distance than in any direction in the plane of said door openingand said catch, lock bar, armature and solenoid are positioned in linetransversely across the opening.

3. Structure as set forth in claim 1 wherein a single solenoid isprovided for actuating said armature and the solenoid is inclined withrespect to the direction of longitudinal extent of the strike installedin a door opening.

4. Structure as set forth in claim 1 wherein a strike plate is providedin conjunction with said strike which is adjustable transversely of saidstrike for facilitating installation of said strike in door frameshaving standard strike openings therein.

5. In a door frame an electronic strike constructed and arranged toextend transversely of the frame comprising a substantially rectangularhousing having a pair of parallel spaced apart sides and an end memberextending from one side thereof, a latch opening in said one sidethereof at the end thereof opposite said end member, pivot mountingmeans extending between said parallel sides, an L-shaped catch pivotallymounted on said pivot means including an end portion extending throughsaid latch opening for engaging a door latch and a second arcuate endportion, second pivot means extending between said parallel walls ofsaid housing, a lock bar pivotally mounted on said second pivot meansadjacent said catch including a recess in one end thereof for receivingthe rounded other end of said catch, a spring operable between saidcatch and lock bar for urging said catch into a latch engaging positionwith said rounded end ment of said catch and lock bar in a directionopposite said one direction, resilient means operable between saidhousing and armature for urging the armature in said one direction and asingle solenoid rigidly secured to the end member of said housing andinclined to said one side thereof operably associated with said armaturefor pivoting said armature in a direction to disengage said lock bar onbeing energized to permit pivoting of said catch and lock bar in adirection opposite said one direction and allow relative movement ofsaid catch with respect to an engaged latch and an adjustable strikeplate positioned over said opening in said one side of said housing forpermitting use of said strike with doors having standard strikeopenings.

References {Iited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS SeibFeb. 4, Schneider Apr. 23, Haesner Aug. 9, Arens et al. July 18, BrooksAug. 6, Keil Dec. 29, Eatinger July 16,

FOREIGN PATENTS France Jan. 28,

1. AN ELECTRIC STRIKE COMPRISING A PAIR OF ADJACENT PIVOT MEANS, A CATCHPIVOTALLY MOUNTED ON ONE OF SAID PIVOT MEANS HAVING A LATCH ENGAGING ENDAND AN OPPOSITE ROUNDED END, A LOCK BAR PIVOTALLY MOUNTED ON SAID OTHERPIVOT MEANS INCLUDING A RECESS IN ONE END THEREOF FOR RECEIVING SAIDROUNDED END OF SAID CATCH, RESILIENT MEANS OPERABLY ASSOCIATED WITH ANDOPERABLE BETWEEN SAID CATCH AND LOCK BAR FOR BIASING SAID OPPOSITE ENDOF SAID CATCH INTO SAID RECESS ON RELATIVE ROTATION THEREOF IN ONEDIRECTION, SAID CATCH AND LOCK BAR BEING DIMENSIONED AND SAID PIVOTMOUNTING MEANS BEING LOCATED FOR PREVENTING FURTHER ROTATION OF SAIDCATCH AND LOCK BAR IN SAID ONE DIRECTION AFTER SAID END OF SAID CATCH ISRECEIVED IN SAID RECESS, A PIVOTALLY MOUNTED ARMATURE POSITIONEDADJACENT SAID LOCK BAR, RESILIENT MEANS URGING SAID ARMATURE INTOPOSITION FOR PREVENTING PIVOTAL MOVEMENT OF SAID LOCK BAR IN A DIRECTIONTO DISENGAGE SAID LATCH AND LOCK BAR AND AN ELECTRIC SOLENOID POSITIONEDADJACENT SAID ARMATURE OPERABLE ON BEING ENERGIZED TO PIVOT SAIDARMATURE OUT OF ENGAGEMENT WITH SAID LOCK BAR FOR PERMITTING RELATIVEMOVEMENT OF SAID CATCH AND LOCK BAR IN A DIRECTION OPPOSITE SAID ONEDIRECTION.